Park-poloza: a enjoying summer and many things it has to offer especially at the location of a playground or park. ( I totally made that up).
When I think of summer, I think of being outside. When I think of being outside, I think of going to parks whether a cool playground or a state/county park that showcases a little bit of nature/history.
No one wants to go to an outdoor park, when it is raining out. Several of the parks that made the list are only open from Memorial Day-Labor Day, so I called for back up (and they accepted) by a Minnesota travel blog, Uniquely Minnesota. They will be filling you in with information on both Blue Mounds State Park of Luverne, MN and the Jeffers Petroglyphs of Comfry, MN until the kids and I are able to attend for ourselves.
Kastle Kingdom (Windom, MN)
First on my list is a local (Windom, MN) gem. Such a neat park, and a neat story behind it. When I mention going to a park, this is the first park that my daughter mentions. Princess attire is completely optional.
Location: Located on the east side of Windom just off Lakeview Avenue and 16th Street.
More information: Our Trip to Kastle Kingdom & Town Website
Sibley Park (Mankato, MN)
Next on the list it is a little bit of a drive from our home on the edge of SW Minnesota/NW Iowa boarder, but it is definitely worth the drive and is one of our favorites. Located seconds off the beaten path of North Mankato, this park serves as its own little farm in the heart of the growing city.
Location:900 Mound Ave, Mankato, MN 56001
More information: Our trip to Sibley Park & Petting Zoo
Blue Mounds State Park (Luverne, MN)
Confession time: I live about 40 minutes from this state park, and I had no idea this beautiful 60 acre state park existed up until I started working on this post. After seeing dozens of GORGEOUS photos of this park, I am determined that we will be checking it out after it opens on Memorial Day.
Address: 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156
Area: 60 acres
Phone: (507) 283-6050
Alexander Ramsey Park (Redwood Falls, MN)
This park is a little bit further north in the SW Minnesota area, but it came highly recommended by a friend of mine. So I obviously had to look into this hidden gem. I hope to check this 216 Acre park for myself soon. Maybe during Farmfest? It contains a variety of different amenities that make it a perfect park to check out for visitors of any age. Did I mention they have both waterfalls and a petting zoo?
Jeffers Petroglyphs (Comfry, MN)
Another recommendation that I had never heard of, yet it is located less than an hr from me. This park located in the heart of the farm land prairie of SW Minnesota contains an important part of MN history that you have to check out for yourself when you have a chance.
Honorable Mentions: ( but still definitely worth checking out)
Do you know any more great Playgrounds and Parks of SW Minnesota?
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